WHO FIGHTS 
BY YOUR SIDE

TO GET YOU THE BEST RESULTS

I am a specialist in the resolution of New Zealand and international trust and estate disputes. I act for trustees, executors, beneficiaries and other claimants.  My areas of practice include beneficiary claims, trustee performance, applications to the High Court for directions, sham, relationship property, breach of trust, capacity, undue influence claims, and Family Protection Act claims.

I relish Court work. However, the family-related nature of trust and estate disputes is that, if at all possible, it is often preferable for out of Court settlements to be reached.  I am a skilful, tough and effective negotiator and work with clients to achieve the best solution possible, using both Court and negotiation processes.  My extensive commercial litigation experience means I bring a commercial and pragmatic approach to resolution. For my CV, click on “read more.”

Frequently, I write and present on topical trust, estate and relationship property matters.  I am on top of the latest national and international developments in trust law through my membership of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and my research, writing and speaking commitments.  Click on "read more" for details of recent papers and presentations.

I am of partial Cook Islands descent and am also admitted as a barrister in the Cook Islands, where I am involved in some of the major trust litigation.  Many of the trust disputes I have acted on cannot and will not be disclosed because of strictly observed professional confidentiality and privilege requirements.  Click on "read more" for details of cases which have been publicly disclosed in Court proceedings.